Cowboys draft series: Why Dallas would, wouldn't use its No. 4 pick on Ramsey, the only DB worthy of a top-five pick

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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 30: Desmond Roland #26 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys is tackled by Jalen Ramsey #8 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half of the Advocare Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Shortly after the Cowboys traded up and used the sixth overall pick on Morris Claiborne in 2012, Jerry Jones said the LSU standout was Dallas' highest-rated cornerback since Deion Sanders.

If the Cowboys end up using the fourth overall pick on a defensive back Thursday night, you'll hear more comparisons to Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Cowboy.

Florida State's Jalen Ramsey is the only defensive back worthy of being a top-five pick in this year's draft. While helping FSU win the 2013 BCS National Championship, Ramsey became the first true freshman to start at cornerback for the Seminoles since Sanders in 1985.

Improving the pass rush should clearly be the top priority for Dallas. But second on that list might be improving the secondary. The Cowboys finished last in the NFL a year ago in takeaways with 11. They intercepted only eight passes. Drafting Ramsey would add another playmaker to the mix, and more playmakers on the back end usually leads to more turnovers.

"If he's there, I think his athleticism and his upside and the fact that he's clean off the field is going to trump [Ohio State defensive end] Joey Bosa," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said Friday. "He can play corner. He can play safety. It makes things easier with making decisions with Byron Jones, last year's first-round pick. Yeah, I think they have to pull the trigger if he's there."

The biggest knock on Ramsey is that he only recorded three interceptions in three seasons in Tallahassee. Part of that can be attributed to playing a different position each year, and part of it has to do with him needing to improve as a pass-catcher.

"I love Jalen Ramsey as a football player," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said Tuesday. "The one thing I really struggle with is the ball skills. ... He drops a lot of balls that he should intercept. If you're going to spend a pick in the top three or top four, it's hard to swallow if you're not getting a guy who is going to turn the ball over."

Ramsey's explanation is that he wasn't tested often by opposing quarterbacks.

"Look at my film: I'm stripping the ball," he said at his pro day. "I'm always around the ball. I'm a ballhawk."

Yes, draft a DB

The reason the Cowboys might pull the trigger is because Ramsey is such a special athlete and might be their highest-graded player in this class. Before Tennessee and Cleveland traded out of the top two spots, many thought there was no chance Ramsey would fall to No. 4.

Dallas' secondary is clearly in need of playmakers. Drafting Ramsey would not only give the Cowboys a big cornerback, it would give them a versatile player who could fill multiple secondary roles in what has become a pass-happy league. Dallas is in its nickel and dime packages far more than its base defense.

Ramsey, who already has experience playing multiple cornerback and safety roles at an elite college level, would likely be on the field each Sunday as much as any player on the roster.

No, don't draft a DB

Some will say the Cowboys shouldn't take a defensive back in the top 10 because the last one they drafted that high -- Claiborne -- hasn't met expectations. It also should be noted that defensive backs drafted in the top 10 over the last four years haven't exactly been dominating the league.

Claiborne, Justin Gilbert, Dee Milliner and Mark Barron have combined for only 10 interceptions. Stephon Gilmore, drafted No. 10 overall in 2012, has been the only solid performer of the group. You have to go back to Patrick Peterson, fifth overall in 2011, to find the last elite defensive back to be selected that high.

Many of the league's top cornerbacks were drafted outside of the first round. So why spend the fourth pick on the position when you can get adequate talent later in the draft?

Selecting Jalen Ramsey makes the most sense

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Defensive back Jalen Ramsey of Florida State looks on during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

If the Cowboys select a defensive back at No. 4, Florida State's Jalen Ramsey (6-1, 209 pounds) seems the likely choice:

Pros: He has the preferred build, versatility and athleticism to play press corner against the top wide receivers in the game.

Cons: His best spot in the NFL is probably safety, a position that is usually not worthy of a top-five draft pick.

Bottom line: Ramsey was one of the Cowboys' 30 pre-draft visitors. He would immediately come in and make a positive impact on Dallas' secondary. But will his lack of interceptions at FSU be enough to scare the Cowboys away if he's still available?

Series schedule

The Cowboys hold the fourth pick in Thursday's draft, their highest selection since taking Russell Maryland at No. 1 overall in 1991. We're breaking down their options in the first round.

Friday: Defensive end ^[1]

Today: Running back ^[2]

Sunday: Defensive back ^[3]

Monday: Trade down

Twitter: @jonmachota ^[4]